Australia’s has reopened its borders to international travelers.

Photo by Sabel Blanco.

For the first time in nearly two years, Australia has reopened its borders to international travelers.  

More than 50 international flights reached the country on the opening day of February 21, 2022, including 27 touching down at Sydney, its largest city.

Tourism is one of Australia’s largest industries, valued at more than $55 billion and employing about five percent of the country’s workforce. However, the sector was hit hard after the country closed its borders in March 2020.

Australia, a former proponent of COVID’s suppression strategy, has moved away from frequent checks and lockdowns after reaching higher levels of vaccination. Skilled migrants, international students and backpackers have been allowed to fly to Australia since November as part of a reopening exercise.

More information about the vaccination requirements for entering Australia can be found on the official website.

Stay Connected

Both OneSimCard Universal and OneSimCard Expedition come with an optional free Australian number that can be extended or added at any time. You can also add an Australian phone number to any international eSIM. Multiple Discount data plans are also available in Australia.


See all international SIM cards rates and coverage for Australia and other countries.

Roaming in London? Bring OneSimCard.

London, England

Many parts of the U.K. have begun easing lockdown restrictions. Shops, salons, outdoor pubs and restaurants reopened in mid-April across much of the county. More public spaces should open over the next few months.

Country dependent quarantine requirements are still in place, so check government guidelines on what applies in your case. Although discouraged by the officials, traveling to the UK is already possible for many people.

The city of London needs no introduction. The capital city of Great Britain is world famous for its theaters, museums, parks and iconic landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

If visiting each and every venue is not your thing or not possible for other reasons, here is something to consider. London is a fantastic city for walking and cycling. Neighborhoods such as St. James’s, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Notting Hill and Covent Garden surround the visitor with great sights and sounds at every turn and on each corner.

The London weather in May is also quite comfortable with daytime average temperatures in the 50’s and the City will be a little less crowded then during the peak summer travel months.

Stay Connected

OneSimCard offers great rates in the UK as well as other European countries, and makes an excellent UK sim card choice. OneSimCard comes with an optional free UK phone number that can be extended or added at any time. Local phone numbers  as well as multiple Discount data plans are available in the UK and many other countries.

Check out all international SIM cards rates and coverage for UK and other countries.

Exchange your expiring eKit SIM card for a brand new OneSimCard!

Ekit (https://ekit.com) has announced that they will cease operation on June 30th, 2021. Recharges and top ups will not be available after January 31st, 2021. It means that many ekit customers planning to travel soon or in the future will not be able to use their eKit SIM card and will need a new international SIM card to stay connected.

In light of these events, OneSimCard would like to extend its SIM card exchange program to all affected eKit SIM card users.

For a limited time, you can trade in your expiring eKit SIM card for a brand new OneSimCard for free!

OneSimCard’s international SIM provides reliable and affordable mobile roaming in over 200 countries.  

With OneSimCard you get:

  • Free incoming calls in 160+ countries; Free incoming SMS everywhere
  • Includes an EU number plus a choice of USA, Canada, UK or Australia number
  • An option to add extra local numbers in 60+ countries
  • Discount 4G data and voice plans
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • Many other features

How to trade in your eKIT SIM

Exchanging your eKit sim card is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Step 1. Register with OneSimCard

Step 2.  Mail us your old eKIT SIM

Step 3.  Activate the newly received OneSimCard card in the account you had registered

It’s that simple! Enjoy wireless freedom without the high cost!

Don’t miss your chance to get a free premium international SIM card. Apply for your free OneSimCard today at onesimcard.com/ekit.

Reopening Information and Best Practices for Traveling in the Age of COVID-19

COVID-19 has severely impacted the travel and tourism industry, decimating a sector responsible for generating approximately $2.9 trillion in global GDP. To curb the spread of the disease, most governments had to order a lockdown, and most of us feel like it’s taking forever. Fortunately, the world is recovering, and governments are reopening their borders.

The biggest question lingering in people’s minds is whether the changes put in place will remain, or if the travel industry will ever get back to pre-COVID levels. 

GlobeTrender virtually hosted several industry players to weigh in on the matter. Jeremy Bowen, Cirium’s CEO, the Red Savannah CEO, George Morgan-Grenville, and Paul Charles, the CEO of the PC Agency shed some insight into the topic.

According to Bowel, rebuilding trust tops the list of the challenges faced by the travel sector during this time of Coronavirus. How will the passengers be convinced that it’s safe to travel on aircraft or other modes of transport again? It’s a hard nut to crack and has raised lots of debate.

As a result, various suggestions such as PPE, enforced social distancing, and testing have come up. What’s essential is, whatever precautions are put into place, the passengers must be ensured of safety. 

For most industries, people can keep working from home after the reopening. Travel, however, cannot conform to this new era. The leisure travel industry will return to normalcy as predicted by Bowen.

Traveling in the New Age: Here Are the Best Practices

According to experts, you should stay at home until the global numbers reduce significantly. Even then, the biggest question remains on whether or not travelers will go back to their pre-COVID habits or adopt the new normalcy as part of their lives. 

It is likely that most people will refrain from luxury travel, even as countries open up their borders. Others will take the risk and take the first plane out. Whichever the case, the best practice will be to learn how to live and adapt to the disease.

According to George Morgan Grenville, traveling may get consolidated for the next two years, where people will rebook their 2021 holidays. However, the booking levels for 2021 may not reach those of 2019.

Well, if you may be thinking of planning a vacation anytime soon, here are some things that you should consider.

  • Plan Ahead

The key to traveling amid the global pandemic is having all the facts. Ensure you do some research on the Coronavirus cases in your destination. You also need to evaluate the risk factors as well as those of the people you are traveling with or visiting. 

People who are older than 65 are better off staying at home. Additionally, if you plan on visiting these people, you need to be extra careful since they are at a much higher risk. Similarly, children and people with pre-existing conditions should also consider not traveling for the same reason. 

  • Get Tested

Getting tested will help determine whether you are an active carrier of the disease or not. Unfortunately, some people can be asymptomatic and risk spreading the disease to other people during the trip. You can also get infected as you travel from one place to another.

Ensure that you self-quarantine as you await the results. You should also quarantine upon arrival at your destination. If you develop any signs of the disease, however mild, be sure to consult a doctor before traveling. 

  • Bring Your Medical and Travel History with You

Most border checks will require proof of your medical and travel history before you can enter. As you are packing, ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you. Your medical documents should include updated records of the last two weeks. If you have had a recent COVID-19 test, ensure that you include the results as well.

Before boarding any flight, you will be required to prove that your chances of being in contact with the disease are minimal. Anyone who has been traveling in the last 14 days to a different part of the world may be at risk and you may be denied access to certain flights and borders. 

  • Follow All the Guidelines

WHO has provided several guidelines for people across the globe to follow. If you are going to take the risk and travel anyway, be sure to comply with these guidelines. The most essential one is covering your nose and mouth with a mask and avoid touching them as well. Most airports will not allow you to travel without your face mask.

Regardless of the means of travel that you plan to use, avoid touching people or things, maintain a safe distance from everyone, and avoid crowded places. Ensure that you wash your hands regularly and always bring some sanitizer with you. 

  • Bring OneSimCard

When you are traveling, make sure you have reliable and affordable means of communications. With OneSimCard international SIM card and travel eSIM, you can stay connected with your friends and family in over 200 countries.

Enjoy data from $0.01/MB; multiple discount data plans available.  Local phone numbers in 60+ countries. Low cost calls and texts.  Free incoming calls and SMS in many countries.

You can even order special phone numbers for SMS verifications and much more.

Government Guidelines Across the World

Several governments across the world have been reopening their borders. Popular destination s are now accepting international travelers into their countries. However, it won’t be business as usual, since most of them are placing restrictions on travelers.

The European Union announced that it would be reopening the borders for 14 countries. However, the union extended the travel ban for citizens from high-risk countries including the US, Russia, and Brazil. 

Popular island destinations such as Bali and Barbados are also planning to reopen soon. The Governor of Bali announced that the island would be open for international tourism in September and domestic tourism would resume on July 9th. 

Barbados, on the other hand, opened its borders for tourists from all countries on the 1st of July. However, the island has strict regulations that travelers need to adhere to, depending on where they come from. Tourists from high-risk countries like the US, for example, will need to take a test and test negative within 72 hours of traveling to the island. 

While countries across the globe are taking safety precautions, some have been forced to have some internal measures in place as well. The US is one such country and is considered one of the high-risk countries. As of today,  New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut require travelers from 16 states to self-quarantine upon getting into these States

Different countries have varying measures in place for international and domestic travel. However, as more countries continue to reopen their borders, it is evident that things won’t go back to normal, although the travel industry will soon be back to business. 

Is the Luxury Travel Industry Going To Bounce Back Faster than  Other Sectors?

Unlike other businesses, the luxury sector has started enjoying a constant increase in inquiries. According to George Morgan-Grenville, the inquiries of the Red Savannah have increased steadily in recent months. But this does not deny that COVID-19’s impact has dampened demands from travelers, and the inquiries are still low.

The return of other business sectors will depend on the numbers affected by the virus, and a clear vision of where the businesses are heading. Most business people will be a bit cautious to reopen without a sign that they will thrive again in the COVID age. For this reason, the luxury travel industry will probably bounce back before the other sectors.

Though the travel industry may revive before the other sectors, it will still take years to rebound. As a result, flying will become expensive with time, unless the airlines innovate strategies to lower fares to lure many passengers. Nevertheless, the travel industry needs to cooperate with global institutions and governments to connect the world again during the COVID-19 period.

 

Photo Credits:

Woman wearing a mask by Anna Shvets

Is the new Apple iPhone SE 2 2020 good for traveling?

Apple iPhone SE 2 2020

The new iPhone SE 2 is here to replace the original SE version, which Apple stopped selling in 2018. Starting at a $400 price tag, the second generation SE with its latest processor and solid camera among other things looks like a good choice for the international and domestic traveler.

Last week Apple officially announced the new iPhone SE 2, a lower-cost iPhone that starts at $399 for a version with 64GB of storage. The device sports traditional iPhone design featuring a 4.7-inch screen, large bezels on the top and bottom, and a home button with Touch ID.

Unlike its predecessor, SE 2 has a better camera, more powerful processor, and a lower price tag. The most affordable iPhone yet features A13 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone, the same chip that is available in the latest iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models.

Camera

Apple calls it “The Best Single-Camera System in an iPhone”. Let’s see why.

There is a single 12-megapixel camera lens on the back (along with a flash). It uses the A13 Bionic chip to improve its Smart HDR photography, which combines multiple shots into a single photo to improve lighting and detail.

It also has a portrait mode with technology Apple calls “monocular depth sensing.” It uses machine learning to detect depth and face, which, unfortunately, means that it will only work on people, not pets.

It includes optical image stabilization, and Apple says it can do “cinematic” stabilization on video as well as support 4K video at 60fps. The front-facing selfie camera is 7-megapixels, and it can also do portrait mode effects.

In the early tests by online aficionados, the camera performed on par with more expensive iPhone siblings in good light conditions. Low light photographs were not as impressive, but still acceptable by many standards.

Not bad for a $400 iPhone.

Dual SIM Card: eSIM + regular SIM

Dual SIM with eSIM provides the flexibility for users to have two separate phone numbers on a single device while traveling abroad or for use as a business line. This means 2 separate mobile wireless service plans.

This can be also useful when crossing borders and wanting to save on your home carriers roaming fees or avoid dealing with the hassles of a local SIM card.

OneSimCard can help in any of these scenarios.

OneSimCard eSIM works perfectly with the iPhone SE 2 model as well as many other esim enabled iPhones including  iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.

So if you are looking for eSIM for your iPhone, you can order and download it right now from our website. No shipping required.

Buy eSIM for iPhone.

Bands

iPhone SE A2296 Supports the following bands, which should be sufficient for connectivity around the world including Japan, Myanmar  and South Korea.

  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66)
  • TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)

Battery life

The new iPhone SE battery size hasn’t been announced by Apple yet. The battery is likely to be very similar to the iPhone 8 capacity, which came with a 1,821mAh power pack.

The A13 Bionic’s chip is supposed to enable a better battery life for iPhone SE 2. However, it still does not come close to a larger capacity iPhone 11 line with the same chip.  At the end of the day battery size matters.

Early testers have managed to get a full day of battery life out of SE 2, which is comparable to the overall performance to the iPhone 8 model.

For those spending days out and about and heavy users, an extra battery charger may be a good idea.

General Specs

IPHONE SE 2 2020 SPECS

  • Screen: 4.7-inch True Tone display
  • Rear cameras: 12-megapixel single 6-element lens, features OIS, flicker sensor for white balance, focus pixels, HDR, and portrait mode for people, video recording at 4K/60fps
  • Selfie camera: 7-megapixel camera
  • Dimensions: 67.3 x 138.4 x 7.3mm, 148 grams
  • Processor: A13 Bionic
  • Memory: TBD
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB
  • Battery: TBD
  • OS: iOS 13
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit LTE, Dual SIM with eSIM
  • Biometric authentication: second-generation Touch ID fingerprint sensor
  • Wireless charging, Lightning connector, 5W charger included
  • IP67 protection

 

Other modernized specs include Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit LTE, Haptic Touch, which is Apple’s replacement for 3D Touch, amounting to a long press with haptic feedback.

There is no headphone jack, but it will come with Lightning headphones in the box.

Conclusion

The jury is still out on the battery life and overall performance. With its comparatively smaller size, solid camera and affordable price it should make a good travelling companion around the world.  However, if you are looking for an iPhone with a more versatile camera and longer battery life consider other models.

Traveling with an iPhone?  Don’t forget your OneSimCard international eSIM to save big on Data, Voice and SMS around the world!

Order a physical international SIM card or travel eSIM for iPhone today!

OneSimCard Is Here For You

As your trusted connectivity partner, OneSimCard is committed to staying open and ready to support our clients around the world during these turbulent times.

If you need assistance, please use any of the contact options available on this page onesimcard.com/contact

You can also call us at 001-617-313-8888 during normal business hours. Remember: The first 3 minutes are free when calling that number from a OneSimCard enabled phone!

At this time Customer Support available in English and Spanish. Talk to you soon!

OneSimCard Assists Stranded Travelers by Slashing eSIM Prices

In Response to the Global COVID-19 Virus Pandemic & the Vast Numbers of Stranded Travelers, OneSimCard Cuts the Cost of eSIMs for Global Roaming by 50%

In an effort to assist the thousands of stranded travelers OneSimCard today announced they are slashing the cost of eSIM cards by 50% through April 30, 2020. Because the eSIM is available for immediate download & there is no need to ship a physical SIM, displaced travelers can easily stay in touch with loved ones back home without having to wait for shipping or having to go to a store to purchase a physical SIM; the entire transaction can be accomplished from the safety of one’s hotel room. The eSIM is initially available on compatible devices such as iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, XS Max, and XR, and the Google Pixel 3a, 4 and 4 XL. Full details available here: onesimcard.com/esim. Promo Code for 50% discount is “ESIM50”.

OneSimCard eSIM provides Data, Voice and SMS connectivity in over 160 countries. The OneSimCard eSIM has the advantage of accessing multiple networks in many countries for a more reliable mobile connection. eSIM service can be used either as pay-as-you-go or with optional discount data plans for high volume users. OneSimCard also offers the option of additional local phone numbers in over 60 countries. Customers will also have the ability to use their smartphone as a hotspot enabling multiple devices to enjoy 4G speeds (where available) at no additional charge. Additionally, customers will still be able to use the OneSim VOIP App, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, for access to OneSimCard’s highly discounted VOIP voice and SMS service.

eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is the latest disruption in the mobile connectivity industry for consumer devices and represents a shift from the traditional physical SIM on which most GSM compatible devices depend for connectivity. eSIM technology is expected to fully replace the physical SIM card in mobile devices in the not-too-distant future because eSIM has many benefits. Consumers will save shipping costs and delivery time by simply downloading the eSIM using a QR code. They can easily switch between providers before, and after, travelling without needing to replace the plastic SIM, & they can now have several profiles on their device (e.g. one for work and one for personal use) –turning their device into a dual SIM phone.

“As a leader in the global roaming market, we felt obligated to the vast number of stranded travelers across the world, and our department heads brainstormed how we can play a part in helping these travelers stay in touch with their loved ones back home,” said OneSimCard CEO Alex Filippov. He added, “We are very concerned about the safety of all the citizens of the world and if we can help families stay in touch while family members are displaced abroad, we are willing to do our part.”

Zone Asiania now covers 15 countries in Asia and Oceania

If you travel to destinations in Asia and Oceania, we have great news for you. You can now save money on 4G data in more countries!

The Zone Asiania data plan on the Universal SIM card has just added 2 more countries (Philippines and South Korea) and now covers 15 countries total. It includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Asiania plan provides 3000 MB of blazing-fast 4G LTE data for 30 Days and costs only $39.00 USD. If no 4G connection is available, the data will automatically fall back to the next fastest option. If you venture to the nearby country outside of the plan, the pay-as-you-go rates will turn on and keep you connected. It’s that convenient (and affordable)!

All current OneSimCard Universal users can order optional discount plans at any time. No Universal SIM card? Order one here and save: www.onesimcard.com/international-sim-card/universal

Planning to Travel to Europe this Holiday Season? Check Out the Top 5 Christmas Markets

Christmas market, Deutscher Dom and konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany

The holiday season is a favorite time of year to travel for many people around the world, and we are convinced there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than a visit to Christmas Markets in Europe.

Thanks to the many Christmas Markets, towns in Europe look like scenes straight out of your favorite movie during this festive season. The snow-capped cathedrals, the wooden chalets, the different twinkling lights, and other street decorations are quite a sight to see. You also can’t miss the seasonal cookies and cakes that are on display in stores all around the town.

People from Europe undoubtedly know how to do Christmas in style, and if you are there during this period, be sure to check out the markets. They often open at the end of November, so we thought it wise to give you a headstart of the best Christmas markets.

Are you heading to Europe this season? Don’t leave before you check out these top 5 Christmas markets.

1. Berlin, Germany

If you are looking for a place to buy some trendy gifts, the artsy Berlin scene should be your first stop. The city gives a modern approach to a long-standing tradition in over 80 Christmas markets. The markets are open from November 25th through December 31st this year.

Covering the 80 markets won’t be easy, so here are a few tips. Spandau is the biggest, so there are plenty of activities to occupy your time. Weihnachtszauber, in Gendarmenmarkt Square, is the prettiest with the Charlottenburg Palace in the background. With the decorative fences and lights in the market, you are sure to enjoy a warm festive glow. Your toddler could even try some arts and crafts in the Fairy Tale Tent at Gendarmenmarkt. That’d make a great souvenir of your adventure!

Are you bringing your kids along? The winter forest, Winterland at Potsdamer Platz, is an excellent place for them. They could get free lessons at the ice-skating rink, head over to the small railway, or the air swing, which are just a few of the activities there.

2. Vienna, Austria

Are you looking to have some magical Christmas time with your family or spouse? Then you should head over to the Vienna Christmas markets.

From 15th November to 26th December, the beautiful squares in Vienna will transform into delightful Christmas markets.

Belvedere Palace will leave you in awe, thanks to the handmade gifts and the traditional wooden toys in the stores around.

The City Hall is home to Vienna’s Christmas Dream and is the ideal market if you are bringing your family along. The kids could have some time in the Ferris wheel or on the ground floor where they learn how to make Christmas candles.

Be sure to visit the market at Vienna’s old general hospital for some lovely Christmas gifts. Try out the traditional Gluhwein while there. You’ll love it.

3. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is also known as France’s Capital of Christmas, and it is clear why once you visit. Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Christmas Markets began in Strasbourg, so the historic center gives a magical feel. You can get some wooden Christmas decorations in the 300 traditional chalets lining the city’s central square.

The Strasbourg Cathedral is a sight to behold. The Gothic towers and the famous astronomical clock will make your visit worthwhile.

If you want some uninterrupted Christmas shopping, avoid the markets in the evenings and during the weekends. Try out the gingerbread bakery and other delicious treats that are available all around the markets.

Christmas in Strasbourg is a magical event. If you are ever in France anytime between 22nd November and 30th December, visit the place. If you are lucky, you could be part of a street parade.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Christmas markets run into January, so they are ideal for some after-Christmas shopping when there aren’t as many people. Open-air concerts, dance performances, and beautiful Christmas decorations in the streets give the city an unforgettable atmosphere.

The live animal stable scene at the Old Town Square is quite a sight. If you are bringing your kids, this will undoubtedly capture their imagination. The gingerbread cookies will also be a great treat for them.

You can try out some of the renowned Czech Beer from the stalls in the streets. There’s also plenty of mulled wine to go around, but why not mingle with the locals over a glass of grog? The drink, which is made of rum, water, lemon, and sugar, is a favorite for many around here.

If you want to catch the lights at the city’s marvelous Christmas tree, head over to Wenceslas Square at 5 o’clock every evening.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen boasts of several Christmas markets, but the heart of all the buzz in the city lies in Tivoli gardens. From November 16th to January 5th, the gardens will be lined with Christmas trees and decorations that bring the city to life. The markets create a cozy atmosphere for travelers and locals to enjoy a special time with their loved ones.

The mouth-watering aroma of roasted almonds and mulled wine in the streets will bring you joy as you walk through the markets. Be sure to have some before heading over to the ice rink. For the ultimate spectacle during your visit to Copenhagen, be sure to visit Kronpinsensgade and see the floating ceiling of Christmas lights.

If you need a break from all the festivities, you can head over to the Meatpacking district and spend some time in the bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Vacationing in Europe during this period can be exciting. But keeping in touch with your loved ones may be difficult because of expensive international roaming rates. OneSimCard offers several international SIM cards to help you stay connected abroad included a dedicated Europe SIM card with very low rates. Get your OneSimCard and get up to 85% lower charges.

Whether you are in Europe for just a few days or the entire holiday season, the Christmas markets are a must-see. Bring back your loved ones some souvenirs from the magical cities and get to experience Christmas in the European style!

Never Miss a Sharable Moment at the XVIII Pan American Games!

Going to 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru? Bring OneSimCard to stay connected.

OneSimCard is gearing up for the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. The Games run from July 26th through August 11th and should be action-packed with a total of 419 events covering 39 sports…the most ever for the Games. Founded in 1951, the Games are run as a qualifier for 22 Disciplines for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games. Lima is expecting 6,700 Athletes from the 41 member countries, so the field has grown since the last Games held in Toronto.

We know, this is a lot to digest. What events to attend, where, how, etc. The Lima Games have a great interactive calendar available online so you can plan ahead and not miss a beat (or lap, hurtle, shot, stroke, etc. … you get the point). This calendar is also available for download, but with your OneSimCard connection, you can have all this information available at your fingertips!

All of this excitement means lots of sharable moments! Don’t miss out on these moments…make sure you are prepared with your mobile data connection. OneSimCard has some of the least expensive rates in the world in Peru, with great discount data packages available. Check out our rates at on our Rates and Coverage Page. For data use, we recommend the Universal card. There is a 3000MB package available for only $55.00 which should work well for most attendees. Order international SIM card  today to make sure you get your SIM card in time for the games!